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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

FOOD BOOK OF THE MONTH! -- Herbivoracious

HERBIVORACIOUS; a flavor revolution, with 150 vibrant and original vegetarian recipes (Harvard Common Press, 2012; distr. T. Allen, 367 pages, ISBN 978-1-55832-745-0, $24.95 US hard covers) is by Michael Natkin, a food blogger and writer recommended on several print publications. He's also a food photographer. With log rolling from other chefs, Natkin gives us 150 well-chosen flavourful vegetarian dishes. The index points to both vegan and gluten-free choices. His blog Herbivoracious.com claims 92,000 monthly readers. His preps are derived form his blog, and about a third of them here in the book are main courses. Soups, salads, sides, apps, desserts and more complete the picture. There's a pantry list and equipment section, both with detail. The book reads like a song, right from the first prep "tea-smoked lychees". Preparations have their ingredients listed in avoirdupois measurements, but there is a table of metric equivalents at the back. The index has large typeface. He believes in organization: good food takes time, but the best way to save time is through organizing, and a mise en place.Audience and level of use: vegetarians looking for new recipesSome interesting or unusual recipes/facts: paella cakes with mangoes and marmalade; blue-potato tarts; quinoa cakes; panish lentil and mushroom stew; chili borracho; chickpea and green olive tagine; raspberry-blueberry buckle.The downside to this book: nothing really, although some experienced cooks may not like the detail.The upside to this book: the photography is his own, warts and all.Quality/Price Rating: 89.